At $26,308/yr net price, South University-Savannah Online graduates earn $34,421/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $421/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,308 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $105,232 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,421/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$421/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 250 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 5.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,123 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,081/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,245/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,281/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,132/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,716/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $98,736 | $46,988 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,613 | $59,405 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,883 | $23,592 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $60,839 | $43,847 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $45,207 | $41,000 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $44,418 | $45,268 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $42,799 | $46,193 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $41,007 | $52,542 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,986 | $46,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $37,478 | $41,000 |
The Risk Factor
5.1% of students at South University-Savannah Online graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
South University-Savannah Online delivers weak financial returns for most students, with a median post-graduation salary of $34,421 that barely justifies the $26,308 annual cost. The 5% graduation rate creates enormous financial risk, meaning 95% of students leave with debt but no degree.
Nursing programs represent the school's only strong financial opportunity, with graduates earning $67,000 to $99,000 annually. These programs carry higher debt loads ($24,000 to $59,000) but generate positive returns. Information Science graduates earn $61,000 with moderate debt of $44,000, making it a reasonable choice. Avoid other programs, particularly those outside healthcare, as earnings data suggests poor job market performance.
The 24% retention rate signals serious academic or student support problems that increase your dropout risk. With 76% of students receiving financial aid and median debt of $26,000, you face significant financial exposure if you don't complete your degree. The online format may appeal to working adults, but the low completion rates suggest many students struggle to balance coursework with other commitments.
This school works financially only if you're pursuing nursing and have strong academic preparation to avoid becoming part of the 95% who don't graduate. Working healthcare professionals seeking to advance credentials might find value in specific nursing programs. Everyone else should look elsewhere, as the combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and poor earnings outcomes creates unacceptable financial risk. Consider community colleges or regional public universities for better value and higher completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South University-Savannah Online worth the cost?
South University-Savannah Online has poor overall ROI with graduates earning just $34,421 ten years after enrollment while paying $26,308 annually. The extremely low 5.10% graduation rate means most students never finish their degree.
What programs at South University-Savannah Online have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs offer the strongest earning potential at South University-Savannah Online, with some graduates earning $66,883-$98,736. Information Science and Health Administration programs show moderate returns at $60,839 and $45,207 respectively.
How much debt do South University-Savannah Online graduates typically have?
South University-Savannah Online graduates carry a median debt of $26,123. Given the low average earnings of $34,421, this debt burden represents a significant portion of graduate income.
Why is the graduation rate so low at South University-Savannah Online?
South University-Savannah Online has a 5.10% graduation rate, meaning 95 out of 100 students don't complete their degree. This creates substantial financial risk for students who pay tuition but never graduate.